What To Look For
When shopping for a great rack to strap onto your Mini Cooper, consider your personal style and tastes. Look for a rack that is simple for you to install, has the look you desire, has the features you feel are important, such as ease of removal and storage, security features, wind drag and fits comfortably into your budget.
Common Pitfalls
It is always important to take a good close look at your car before settling on a bike rack style. Certain bike racks mount to certain parts of the car, so for instance a Cooper with a spoiler will not support a trunk mount rack. If looking at hitch racks, make sure your Cooper has a bumper hitch. Some racks only work with hatchbacks or attach to the roof, requiring additional hardware.
Where To Buy
When you finally settle on the model that is perfect for your lifestyle and your Mini Cooper, shop around for the best sales and service. Mini Mania is an online retailer of all things Cooper that has been in business since 1974 and sells a wide selection of bike racks. They list their prices, making an educated decision a thing of ease. Mini Fini, located in Ohio, also sells a wide variety of Cooper accessories. Amazon will help you comparison shop and allow you to read customer reviews on your chosen rack.
Cost
Bike racks for the Mini Cooper range from $89 up to over $400 in 2010. J.C. Whitney sells an Allen Sport Trunk/Tailgate Mount rack for $88.99 as of September, 2010. Choose a model that fits your budget and lifestyle. When considering cost, also factor in the amount of travel you do with your bike. The more you use it, the more you may be willing to spend for that perfect fit.
Comparison Shopping
When trying to decide between a $90 rack and a $400 rack, look at the features offered by both. Allen's rack offers the ability to transport up to four bikes at a time, and is simple to put on and take off. Thule sells a four bike rack for $413 that is mounted to your bumper hitch and swings open for easy access to the rear of your vehicle. Price is as of September 2010. This is ideal for long travel times. It also reduces wiggle while driving, which increases fuel mileage.
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